Flying Closer to the Flame

For many Christians, the Holy Spirit remains a mysterious or even intimidating figure. We may know the “dictionary definition” of the Spirit, but we lack the warmth and power of His actual presence. In this 14-part series, Chuck Swindoll removes the “fog of separation” and invites us to a closer walk with our divine Helper. By exploring the Spirit’s roles in transformation, healing, emotions, and inner promptings, we discover that He is not an abstract force, but a personal guide ready to ignite our spiritual lives.

Message 1: Let’s Get Reacquainted with the Spirit

Message Overview: This message serves as a foundational call to move beyond theological abstractions and truly get to know the Person of the Holy Spirit. It addresses the common fears or neglect associated with the Spirit’s ministry and invites believers into a deeper, more personal reliance on His presence.

Key Facts:

• Nature of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit is a Person, not a vague force or “it.”
• The Goal: To move from a “closed system” of living to one open to divine intervention.
• The Promise: The Spirit is our Helper, Comforter, and Advocate.

Scripture References: John 14:16–17; 16:5–15

Message 2: The Main Agenda of God’s Spirit: Transformation

Message Overview: The primary work of the Holy Spirit is not merely to provide emotional “highs,” but to fundamentally transform the believer into the image of Christ. This message focuses on the internal change of character—the fruit of the Spirit—as the ultimate evidence of His work.

Key Facts:

• Metamorphosis: Christian growth is a process of internal change, not just external conformity.
• The Power Source: Transformation is impossible through human effort; it requires the Spirit’s power.
• The Result: Developing the “mind of Christ” and the “fruit of the Spirit.”

Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 3:17–18; Galatians 5:22–23

Message 3: My Sin . . . and “The Things of the Spirit”

Message Overview: This message explores the conflict between the “flesh” (our sinful nature) and the “Spirit.” It provides practical insights into how sin grieves or quenches the Spirit’s influence and how confession restores the flow of His power in our lives.

Key Facts:

• The Internal Struggle: Every believer experiences a tug-of-war between the old nature and the new.
• Warning Signs: Bitterness, anger, and unconfessed sin hinder the Spirit’s work.
• The Solution: Walking in the light and maintaining a “short account” with God through confession.

Scripture References: Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Romans 8:5–14

Message 4: Is the Spirit’s Filling That Big a Deal?

Message Overview: Chuck Swindoll clarifies the biblical command to “be filled with the Spirit.” He explains that filling is not a one-time event but a continuous surrender to the Spirit’s control, leading to a life of joy, gratitude, and mutual submission.

Key Facts:

• Grammar Matters: The command in Ephesians 5:18 is passive (let yourself be filled) and continuous (keep being filled).
• The Contrast: As wine controls the drunkard, the Spirit should control the believer.
• Visible Signs: The filled life is characterized by “singing in the heart” and “giving thanks always.”

Scripture References: Ephesians 5:18–21

Message 5: The Spirit Who Surprises

Message Overview: Because the Spirit is God, He cannot be put in a box. This message explores the spontaneous and unpredictable ways the Spirit works to guide, comfort, and empower believers, often stepping outside our rigid expectations or routines.

Key Facts:

• Sovereignty: The wind blows where it wishes, and so it is with the Spirit.
• Spontaneity: God often works in “the interruptions” of our planned lives.
• Openness: Maintaining a heart of “expectant availability” to God’s leadings.

Scripture References: John 3:8; Acts 8:26–40

Message 6: Draw Me Nearer . . . Nearer

Message Overview: This message focuses on the intimacy the Spirit provides. It is through the Spirit that we experience the “Abba, Father” relationship with God, moving from religious duty to the warmth of being God’s beloved children.

Key Facts:

• Adoption: The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
• Intimacy: The Spirit enables us to pray with deep, personal affection for the Father.
• Security: This intimacy provides a foundation of security even in times of suffering.

Scripture References: Romans 8:15–17; Galatians 4:6–7

Message 7: Those Unidentified Inner Promptings

Message Overview: How do we know if a thought or impulse is from God, ourselves, or elsewhere? This message provides biblical criteria for discerning the promptings of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that the Spirit will never lead us contrary to the Word of God.

Key Facts:

• The Test of Scripture: The Spirit and the Word always agree.
• The Test of Peace: God’s leading often carries a sense of “settled peace” in the soul.
• The Test of Counsel: Seeking confirmation through wise, godly advisors.

Scripture References: Acts 16:6–10; Colossians 3:15

Message 8: The Spirit and Our Emotions

Message Overview: God created us with emotions, and the Spirit uses them. However, we must not be led by emotions alone. This message discusses how to balance emotional expression with biblical truth, allowing the Spirit to sanctify our feelings.

Key Facts:

• Emotional Integrity: Honest expression before God (as seen in the Psalms).
• Control vs. Suppression: The Spirit provides self-control, which is different from emotional repression.
• Stability: Truth must remain the anchor for our shifting feelings.

Scripture References: Psalm 42; 2 Timothy 1:7

Message 9: Thinking Theologically about Sickness and Healing

Message Overview: This message tackles the difficult questions regarding physical suffering. It establishes a theological framework for understanding why God allows sickness and how we should view His power to heal in a broken world.

Key Facts:

• The Origin of Illness: Sickness is part of a fallen creation, though not always tied to personal sin.
• God’s Purpose: God can use suffering to refine character and display His glory.
• The Ultimate Healing: The promise of a resurrected body in the future.

Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; Romans 8:22–23

Message 10: A Biblical Case for Healing

Message Overview: Chuck Swindoll looks at the biblical mandates for seeking healing. He emphasizes the role of prayer, the elders of the church, and the “anointing with oil” as practical expressions of faith in God’s ability to restore health.

Key Facts:

• The Role of the Church: The elders are called to pray over the sick.
• The Prayer of Faith: Approaching God with confidence in His power while submitting to His will.
• Anointing: Oil as a symbolic or medicinal act accompanying prayer.

Scripture References: James 5:13–16

Message 11: When the Spirit Brings a Slow Recovery

Message Overview: While we often desire instantaneous miracles, God frequently chooses “the long road” of recovery. This message encourages patience and endurance, showing how the Spirit sustains us through the grueling process of gradual healing.

Key Facts:

• The Grace of Endurance: Integrity is often built more in the recovery than the cure.
• Learning in the Wait: Discovering God’s sufficiency when progress is slow.
• Support: The role of the Christian community in bearing one another’s burdens.

Scripture References: Psalm 27:13–14; Isaiah 40:29–31

Message 12: Power, Power . . . We’ve Got the Power!

Message Overview: This message focuses on the “dunamis” (power) of the Holy Spirit available to every believer for witnessing and service. It contrasts human weakness with divine strength, reminding us that we are “more than conquerors” through Him.

Key Facts:

• The Purpose of Power: Not for personal show, but for being witnesses to the ends of the earth.
• Strength in Weakness: God’s power is perfected when we admit our inability.
• Boldness: The Spirit provides courage to share the Gospel in hostile environments.

Scripture References: Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 12:9

Message 13: Is That All There Is to the Spirit’s Ministry?

Message Overview: This message looks at the diverse and ongoing ministries of the Spirit, including His role in spiritual gifts, intercession for the believer, and the “sealing” that guarantees our eternal inheritance.

Key Facts:

• Spiritual Gifts: Given for the common good and the building up of the body.
• The Intercessor: The Spirit groans on our behalf when we don’t know how to pray.
• The Seal: The Holy Spirit is the “down payment” of our future glory.

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 8:26–27; Ephesians 1:13–14

Message 14: Let’s Just Praise the Lord

Message Overview: The final message in the series concludes with a focus on worship. When we are truly “flying closer to the flame” of the Spirit, the natural result is a life of praise, adoration, and exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Key Facts:

• The Spirit’s Focus: The Holy Spirit always seeks to glorify Christ, not Himself.
• A Lifestyle of Praise: Worship as a daily response, not just a Sunday event.
• The Final Goal: A heart fully surrendered and overflowing with gratitude to God.

Scripture References: John 16:14; Psalm 150; Revelation 4–5